Akatsi South MP Bernard Ahiafor has revealed that he has turned down numerous invitations to engage in confrontations over the ongoing ministerial vetting process, insisting that his approach has been informed by a deep understanding of the stakes involved.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, February 3, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee dismissed criticisms that his lack of exposure on the committee was the cause of recent controversies surrounding the vetting process.

“Well, in everything that you do, you get more experience along the line. But I will not say that that was the reason,” the First Deputy Speaker stated.

His comments were in response to the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, who suggested that his limited experience on the committee had contributed to the contentious nature of the vetting sessions.

Read also: ‘Appointment Committee in seeming disarray due to Chair’s lack of exposure’, says Patricia Appiagyei

The Adaklu MP insisted that every action and decision he has taken as chairman has been well thought out.

“Sometimes I do things and take decisions from an informed point of view. The general public might not be aware of why certain decisions, certain postures, certain tolerance levels were coming from the chairperson of the appointment committee, but I know exactly what I'm doing at every point in time,” he stressed.

Mr Ahiafor further revealed that he has deliberately chosen not to be drawn into conflicts despite persistent pressures.

“I have, all alone, resisted many invitations to fight for a stated reason,” he disclosed.

Illustrating his rationale, the lawmaker likened the situation to being asked to fight on his father’s farm.

“Look, I am a member of the NDC. My colleague NDC members have been vetted because NDC is in power. The president is like my father. Therefore, if I am invited by my opponent that we should go and fight on my father's farm, knowing very well that if I engage the person in fighting, it is the crops on the farm that will be destroyed—if I take a decision not to fight, am I a weak person or a sensible person?” he quizzed.